Handover of power between the new Minister of Tourism, Laura Khazen Lahoud, and the outgoing Minister, Walid Nassar, on Feb. 13, 2025, in Beirut. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — The handovers of power between the new government of Nawaf Salam and the outgoing cabinet of Nagib Mikati continued Thursday with ceremonies at the Ministries of Defense, Labor, Tourism, and Youth and Sports.
At the Defense Ministry, Maurice Slim, affiliated with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), handed over the position to Michel Menassa, a figure close to President Joseph Aoun. Slim reaffirmed Lebanon's stance against the prolonged Israeli occupation, stressing the importance of adhering to the withdrawal plan outlined in U.N. Resolution 1701. This resolution, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and is the basis for the current cease-fire, mandates that Israel withdraw from occupied areas in southern Lebanon within 60 days of the cease-fire. However, following the cease-fire on Nov. 27, Israel secured a three-week extension on Jan. 26 and now seeks to maintain control of several strategic points beyond the original deadline.
At the Labor Ministry, outgoing Minister Moustafa Bayram transferred authority to Mohammad Haidar. Bayram, who has close ties to Hezbollah, stirred controversy in December 2021 with a proposal to ease restrictions on Palestinian access to certain professions, previously reserved for Lebanese citizens. Haidar, a physician, has faced criticism for his appointment but emphasized the importance of healthcare and social security. He pledged to work on improving Lebanon's minimum wage, the retirement system, and the end-of-service indemnity. Bayram noted that during his tenure, the ministry achieved 90 percent digitalization.
At the Ministry of Education, Abbas Halabi, who is reputedly close to Druze leader Walid Joumblatt and the Progressive Socialist Party, handed over the position to Rima Karameh, appointed by Salam. Halabi highlighted what he called the "major achievements" of his tenure, particularly the launch of a roadmap for educational reform. Karameh acknowledged the weight of the responsibilities before her and pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the continuity and improvement of Lebanon’s education system.
At the Tourism Ministry, Walid Nassar handed over to Laura al-Khazen Lahoud. Nassar, who led a successful tourism campaign in 2022 titled Ahla bi hal Talleh (a Lebanese famous phrase meaning "Welcome"), said the sector would continue to expand under Khazen Lahoud’s leadership. The new minister, who aims to increase year-round tourism, emphasized collaboration with the private sector, municipalities, and local and international tourism associations. Nassar highlighted that his ministry organized 1,645 activities with no cost to the state, relying on donations or personal funding.
The handover at the Ministry of Youth and Sports saw Georges Kallas, an independent former minister, pass the reins to Nora Bayrakdarian, a professor at the Lebanese University, a lecturer in international relations at AUB, and the new government’s only political party-affiliated member. Kallas reflected on the approval of the national youth action plan in May 2022 and praised Bayrakdarian for her academic background, which he believes makes her uniquely positioned to understand and address the needs of Lebanon's youth. In her inaugural speech, Bayrakdarian, one of five women in the government, committed to fostering active youth participation in building a modern, progressive society. She also outlined plans to promote "sports diplomacy" and strengthen ties between youth and the Lebanese Army.